Crystal Springs Upland School (CSUS), located in the affluent community of Hillsborough, California, is a prestigious independent coeducational day school serving students in grades 6 through 12. Founded in 1952 through the merger of two earlier schools, CSUS has built a reputation for academic excellence, fostering a close-knit community that emphasizes intellectual curiosity, character development, and leadership. Nestled in the San Francisco Bay Area, the school benefits from proximity to Silicon Valley's innovation hub, which influences its forward-thinking curriculum in STEM fields, arts, and humanities.
The school's 38-acre campus provides an idyllic setting for learning, with modern facilities including science labs, performing arts centers, and athletic fields. CSUS graduates consistently attend top colleges, with many heading to Ivy League institutions. For job seekers interested in Ivy League schools or elite prep environments, CSUS offers a unique blend of rigorous academics and supportive culture. Positions here attract educators passionate about shaping future leaders in a collaborative atmosphere.
CSUS traces its roots to the Crystal Springs School for Girls (established 1909) and Upland School for Boys (1922), merging in 1952 to create a coed institution committed to holistic education. Over the decades, it has evolved into a leader in independent schooling, with a mission to inspire joy in learning, cultivate ethical character, and prepare students for global citizenship. This history underscores the school's dedication to small class sizes (average 14 students) and personalized teaching, making it an appealing workplace for dedicated professionals.
Key milestones include expanding its upper school programs in the 1990s and integrating technology-driven learning in recent years, aligning with California's emphasis on innovative education. Faculty jobs at CSUS allow educators to contribute to this legacy while enjoying the stability of a well-endowed institution.
CSUS offers a comprehensive curriculum featuring Advanced Placement courses, independent studies, and interdisciplinary projects. Departments like mathematics, science, English, history, and world languages seek teachers who can engage middle and upper school students. Beyond classrooms, opportunities exist in coaching, advising clubs, and administrative roles such as dean of students or director of college counseling.
Common job categories include:
To help understand roles at CSUS, here are key terms:
Jobs at Crystal Springs Upland School demand strong academic credentials. Teaching positions require a bachelor's degree in the relevant field, with a master's preferred for upper school roles. A California Clear Teaching Credential is mandatory for classroom teachers, obtained through approved programs like those from academic CV preparation resources. Administrative roles often seek advanced degrees such as M.Ed. or Ed.D. in education leadership. Specialized positions, like science teachers, may need endorsements in biology or physics.
Background checks and child protection training are standard, reflecting the school's commitment to student safety.
While CSUS is a prep school, faculty expertise centers on pedagogical research and curriculum innovation rather than traditional university research. Teachers contribute to program development in areas like environmental science, drawing from Bay Area resources, or digital humanities. Experience with project-based learning or IB-style inquiry is valued, as the school encourages faculty-led initiatives like the "Upland Ideas" symposium.
Preferred candidates have 3-5 years in independent or public schools, publications in educational journals, or conference presentations. Grants for classroom projects or coaching varsity sports enhance applications. Prior advisory experience or diversity training is a plus, given CSUS's inclusive ethos.
Essential skills include:
The application process starts with online submission of resume, cover letter, transcripts, and three references. Shortlisted candidates undergo phone screens, campus visits for demos, and final interviews with division heads. Tips:
CSUS actively promotes diversity through affinity groups, professional development on anti-bias training, and scholarships for underrepresented students. The school partners with organizations like the National Association of Independent Schools for equity audits and hires faculty from varied backgrounds to reflect its student body, which is increasingly diverse. Initiatives include cultural competency workshops and inclusive curriculum reviews, creating a welcoming space for all staff.
CSUS values balance with a 7:45 AM-3:30 PM school day, summers off, and conferences rather than daily grading overloads. Faculty enjoy wellness programs, book clubs, and events on the scenic campus. Proximity to San Francisco offers cultural access, while Hillsborough's quiet setting reduces commute stress. Professional growth includes sabbaticals and tuition remission for faculty children, fostering long-term careers.
CSUS combines intellectual rigor with community warmth, ideal for educators seeking impact. Explore more opportunities on higher ed jobs, career advice at higher ed career advice, all university jobs, or post a job if recruiting.
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